International Relations And Diplomacy: Marketable Skills In Kenya?

International relations and diplomacy is a popular course of study for many students in Kenya, but its marketability is questionable. While some sources claim that the degree is not very marketable in Kenya, others argue that it is a good career choice with many job opportunities, including international ones. The University of Nairobi, Daystar University, Strathmore University, and Zetech University are among the top Kenyan institutions offering international relations and diplomacy programs. The course equips students with a comprehensive understanding of society, people, globalization, and multinational markets, which is highly sought after by employers in both the private and public sectors. However, the number of jobs specifically in international relations in Kenya is limited, and graduates may face challenges finding employment in this field within the country.

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International relations jobs are hard to find in Kenya

International relations jobs are hard to come by in Kenya, with some claiming that the course is not very marketable in the country. This may be because there are not many large international organisations in Kenya. However, some sources disagree, stating that international relations is a good career with many job opportunities, and that the demand for people with international relations degrees is increasing.

Those who claim that international relations jobs are scarce in Kenya advise that students should carefully weigh their options before taking the course. However, it's important to note that international relations is a broad field that can lead to various career paths, including diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, and global corporations.

To increase your employability in the field of international relations in Kenya, it is recommended to develop excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as proficiency in foreign languages. Additionally, gaining relevant work experience and expanding your education by studying abroad can enhance your job prospects.

While it may be challenging to find international relations jobs in Kenya, there are still opportunities available, especially for those with the right skills, knowledge, and experience. Some universities in Kenya that offer international relations programmes include the University of Nairobi, Strathmore University, Daystar University, Zetech University, Maseno University, and Riara University. These institutions aim to prepare students for careers in international relations by offering theoretical and practical knowledge, as well as interdisciplinary approaches to learning.

The course is still admired in the Western world

While international relations is not the most marketable course in Kenya, it is still admired in the Western world. The course equips students with a comprehensive understanding of society, people, globalisation, and multinational markets, which are skill sets in high demand among leading employers in both the private and public sectors. The study of international relations blends economics, history, and political science to examine topics such as human rights, global poverty, the environment, economics, globalisation, security, global ethics, and the political environment.

International relations is about building better relationships between nations and large international organisations. It involves initiating international communications, marketing, and fundraising programmes, as well as maintaining proper relationships with international partners. This requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and oral, as well as the ability to work comfortably with people from different cultures.

The University of Nairobi, one of the best universities in Kenya, offers a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. Other top private universities in Kenya offering international relations include Daystar University, Strathmore University, and USIU-Africa. Strathmore University, in particular, offers international relations programs that prepare students who wish to work in international organisations, diplomacy, NGOs, and global corporations.

Zetech University, Maseno University, and Riara University also offer degrees in international relations and diplomacy. The Technical University of Kenya offers a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy, which focuses on the classical epistemological foundations of the discipline and its contemporary and emerging sub-fields.

Although the job market in Kenya may be competitive and daunting for graduates in international relations, the course is still worth considering due to its potential for employment in other parts of the world, especially in the Western world.

The degree can be used to work internationally

International Relations is a broad field that opens up a variety of career paths, both within Kenya and internationally. The degree is particularly useful for those seeking to work in diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, and global corporations.

Kenya's strong international relations and strategic position in Africa make it an attractive base for international organisations. The country maintains good relations with several nations, particularly its Swahili-speaking neighbours in the East African Community, such as Burundi, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. This provides a favourable environment for those with International Relations qualifications to find employment within the country.

However, it is worth noting that some sources indicate that International Relations is not the most marketable degree in Kenya. The field is closely tied to the presence of international organisations in the country, and while Kenya's standing in Africa and the world makes it an important location, there may be fewer opportunities compared to other popular courses.

Nevertheless, the degree can be a valuable asset for those seeking international careers. International Relations graduates can find opportunities with international organisations, NGOs, and global corporations beyond Kenya's borders. The degree provides a comprehensive understanding of society, people, globalisation, and multinational markets, which is highly sought-after by employers in both the private and public sectors.

Additionally, the degree equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to address emerging challenges in international relations and diplomacy. It empowers them to offer guidance on policy propositions within Africa and beyond, serve as experts in their field, and apply their knowledge to world affairs and research.

Overall, while the marketability of the degree in Kenya may be a consideration, the skills and knowledge gained from an International Relations degree can certainly be leveraged for a wide range of international career opportunities.

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The course teaches skills in conflict prevention

International relations and diplomacy is a marketable course in Kenya, but it is not as popular as some other courses. The course teaches skills in conflict prevention, which is a subset of preventive diplomacy. Preventive diplomacy, as defined by the United Nations in 1992, refers to "action to prevent disputes from arising between parties, to prevent existing disputes from escalating into conflicts, and to limit the spread of the latter when they occur".

The course equips students with the knowledge and skills to prevent international conflicts and sustain positive diplomatic relations between nations. This includes understanding the procedures for conducting negotiations between different countries and organisations from different countries.

Conflict prevention and resolution are essential aspects of international relations and diplomacy. While the concept of preventive diplomacy has faced some obstacles and semantic disagreements, it has gained prominence within the United Nations and other international organisations. The economic appeal of devoting resources to conflict prevention rather than costly humanitarian or peacekeeping operations is also recognised.

Students of international relations and diplomacy in Kenya can gain these valuable skills through institutions such as the University of Nairobi, Strathmore University, Daystar University, Maseno University, and Riara University, among others. These universities offer a range of programmes, including Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, International Relations, and International Relations and Diplomacy.

Overall, while international relations and diplomacy may not be the most marketable course in Kenya, it does teach valuable skills in conflict prevention and provides graduates with a range of career opportunities, both nationally and internationally.

The course is offered at Strathmore University

Strathmore University offers a Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR) programme, which provides students with theoretical knowledge, research skills, and practical, real-world experience to address the major needs associated with international relations and conflict studies. The MAIR programme enables students to specialise in Diplomacy & Foreign Policy, Security and International Law, and Peace & Conflict. Strathmore University also offers a Diploma in International Relations, which prepares students for careers in international business, governments, diplomatic corps, or private and international non-governmental organisations. The diploma programme explores major global and multi-cultural perspectives, allowing students to gain an understanding of the complex and interconnected world through the study of historical, political, economic, legal, and cultural forces.

The MAIR programme at Strathmore University imparts values of excellence and innovation, equipping graduates with the tools to compete and contribute to solving contemporary and emerging global challenges. The programme adopts multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches, covering areas such as international studies, conflict studies, international law, international security, foreign policy, and diplomacy. Students will develop a broad spectrum of skill sets essential for engagement in dynamic domestic, regional, and international environments.

The MAIR programme is designed for recent graduates who seek expertise in international relations. The ideal candidates will have a strong academic foundation in social sciences or humanities and a desire to deepen their knowledge and skills in this field. The programme welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds, including political science, international studies, economics, sociology, history, geography, or related disciplines.

The Diplomacy, Intelligence, and Security programme at Strathmore University, known as the Master of Arts in Diplomacy, Intelligence and Security (MDIS), is designed to provide knowledge and skills relevant to the areas of diplomacy, intelligence, and security. The curriculum is shaped by contemporary global, regional, and national realities, offering cutting-edge theories and enhancing students' skills with sophisticated analytical tools. The programme emphasises active engagement in decision-making processes, enabling students to consider various policy alternatives based on accurate analyses.

The MDIS programme at Strathmore University aims to develop leadership skills, providing a competitive advantage in the job market. It encourages a reflective, analytical, and participative approach to education and career development. The programme is taught by faculty members who are experts in their respective fields, offering guidance and helping students identify new opportunities. The MDIS programme also includes an academic tour, allowing students to interact with professionals in diplomacy, intelligence, and security in other countries and regions.

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